Rassool chooses to walk on at UCLA

For West Ranch High senior Alex Rassool, the opportunity to walk on at UCLA is a dream come true for a kid who has always been under the radar.

Rassool informed The Signal this week that he has accepted a preferred walk-on spot on the UCLA football team.

That means he is a non-scholarship member of the football team.

Rassool, a 6-foot-4-inch, 225-pound senior who played defensive end for the Wildcats last season, said he had opportunities to play at Cal Lutheran and the University of San Diego, but selected the Bruins.

“I chose UCLA because it was an easy choice,” Rassool said. “I’ve been a UCLA fan since I can remember. I’ve had season tickets since I was 8 years old. I grew up idolizing these players. It’s a dream come true.”

Rassool had a Foothill League-leading and West Ranch High record 18 1/2 sacks in 2013 in his second year on the varsity.

As a junior, he had one sack.

With his size and pass coverage ability, he profiles as a linebacker, but he said as of now he doesn’t know what UCLA has planned for him.

The 17-year-old said he was 180 pounds as a junior, but took in nearly 6,000 calories per day after that season to bulk up.

Rassool said he realizes as a walk-on, he’ll be under the radar again.

“I truly believe in myself,” Rassool said. “I feel like I can surprise some people. It’s great UCLA took a chance on me because I’m going to surprise some people there.”